Doncaster-born BBL star Robert Marsden joins Leeds Force

Marsden, a product of Danum Eagles, returns to Leeds after spells with French club Cognac and Manchester Giants.

The 26-year-old Tickhill lad last played for Leeds in their 2011-12 National Cup winning team in Division One before leaving to play in the BBL for Manchester.

After a standout rookie season, which saw him named in the BBL Team of the Year, Marsden made the move to France last season to play for Cognac in NM1.

He played 19 games in France before returning to the Giants for the last ten games of the season, finishing off with 11 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Marsden said: “I am very excited to be coming back not just to the club but the city.

“The club has come on immensely over the past two years.

“The chance to be part of its ongoing progress, on and off the floor is something I’m looking forward to.”

He added: “I believe that the club can really push on this year and make a huge stride by reaching the post season, a goal in my eyes that is more than achievable.

“The league is going from strength to strength, year on year.

“The club’s progress can certainly mirror that this next season.”

Marsden is the first of Leeds Force’s signings as they look to build on their successful first season, where they claimed the scalps of established BBL clubs including London, Sheffield and Cheshire.

Leeds head coach Matt Newby said: “Returning Rob Marsden is an exciting proposition for the club.

“Rob is genuinely one of Yorkshire’s finest exports thanks to Bob Martin at the Danum Eagles and Rob’s own industry and desire to succeed.

“He has the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor and has a relentless attitude to key facets of the game; rebounding, defence and leadership. “Additionally he has a well-rounded game and has the ability to consistently generate a double-double.”